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Battle of Behan

Ireland’s top gymnast has overcome more than most to reach the Games

T
he “help Kieran Behan” bucket is now gone from the front desk of the Tolworth gym in south west London, ice being the order of the day now rather than donations as the gymnast dips his tender left foot into a container of freezing cold water while recuperating last week.

“I’ve been through a lot worse so a little bit of pain in my ankle is not going to hold me back,” Behan remarks, a considerable understatement from an athlete who cheerily admits that some people who hear his story assume he is taking part in the Paralympics rather than the Olympics.

It’s well-documented how Behan fought back from two serious injuries that raised doubts whether he would walk again, never mind compete at the pinnacle of his sport, but there are other blessings he is able to count these days.